Newsletter January 2017
Cover Photo: Brent Sheridan—at the recent Gold Medal Trial. Brent rebuilt his 1955 AJS from four boxes of parts. Closing Date for Wairarapa Zenith: 15th of each month. Contributions should be emailed to the Editor—wandmlane@gmail.com or posted to: 15 Willow Park Drive, RD11, Masterton.
Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Clubrooms Postal Address Branch Website Club Night Spare Parts Committee Meet
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville PO Box 7, Masterton, 5840 www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc
First Monday of the month (except January— none) and June (second Monday) at 7.30pm. Open each Tuesday morning following club night. Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm
Call and see
Trevor Kenavan for all your joinery requirements
150 Main Street, Greytown Phone: 06 379-8008 Fax: 06 304-9004 2
Your Committee 2016/17 Chairman:
John Clark
378 0380 john@clark.net.nz
Immediate Past Chairperson: Frances Elwin 377 0855 royel@xtra.co.nz Vice Chairman: Willie James 372 4890 waiiti@farmside.co.nz Secretary/Treasurer: Tina Goodin 02041099552 tina.goodin@hotmail.com Club Captain: Gary Lang 372 7593 barbaralang@outlook.co.nz Committee: Paul Furkert 379 5355 paul.furkert@xtra.co.nz Custodian: David Hunter 379 9224 bonnydoone.4@gmail.com Librarian: Pat Dutton 379 791 w.nisbet@xtra.co.nz Beaded Wheels Reporter: Kevin Ball Social Convenor: Val Ball
377 1236 wtakevin@xtra.co.nz 377 1236 wtakevin@xtra.co.nz
Spare Parts: Frank Lipinski 379 7167 Tom Mitchelmore 379 7573 Hugh Hunter 306 9847
tomjean@xtra.co.nz j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Magazine Editor: Myrna Lane
wandmlane@gmail.com
377 3064
Vehicle Inspectors: Francis Pointon 378 6710 Bernie Cheer 379 8337 Graham Reidy 372 7855
pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz 3
What’s on locally…….. DECEMBER/JANUARY: Tue 27th—Tue 3rd Morris Eight Tourer Club staying in Masterton. Based at the Highwayman Motel. See page 10. Sun 8th Coastal Run to Akitio. See page 5 for details. Starting at 9.30 am from 96 Huxley Street, Pahiatua. Organizer: Jim Chalmers. Thur 26th - Sun 29th Cruise Martinborough. Information available on Www.cruisemartinborough.co.nz. FEBRUARY: Mon 6th Waitangi Day but club night as usual. Door: Myrna and Tony Lane. Our speaker is Leon Crosse (ex military). Sun 12th Remembrance Rally Organizers: Kevin and Val Ball. MARCH: Mon 6th Club Night Door Kevin and Val Ball. Sat 11th Rex Porter Rally. Your entry form is in this magazine. APRIL: Mon 3rd Club Night Sun 9th Club Captain’s Run. MAY: Mon 1st Club Night Sat/Sun 6/7th Motorcycle Reliability Trial. JUNE: Mon 12th Wairarapa Branch AGM.
January Coastal Run Sunday, January 8th 2017 Casual drive out to Akitio Pack your bucket and spade and a picnic lunch. Meet at Jim Chalmer’s property at 96 Huxley St, Pahiatua at 9.30 am for morning tea and to inspect Jim’s car collection. We will be joined by the Austin club and the Central Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club. Travel to Akitio via Pongaroa from Pahiatua. (This road is sealed except last 10K). Lunch will be at the Akitio Community Centre hall which will provide an all-weather venue. There is a shop/takeaway at the beach which we understand will be open. Bring your own picnic lunch and chairs etc. There is NO petrol at Pongaroa or Akitio. Option of two return routes – one is all sealed to SH2 – the other is part gravel in good condition and includes scenic and panoramic views from the Towai-Rising Sun Rd. Instructions to Jim Chalmer’s place from the south. Turn right from SH2 into Tiraumea Rd at the south end of Pahiatua. Huxley St is 3rd on left and 96 is just around the corner. Enquiries – Jim Chalmers (06-376-8520) or Gary Lang (06-372-7593).
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From your Chairman A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You All. Hopefully you get this newsletter before you tuck into the turkey, splatter yourself at the barbecue, or whatever it is that takes your taste buds fancy this Festive Season. (Please no more pavlovas). This year has finished with a bit of a bang – so I hear - for some of you who participated in the Gold Medal Rally. For this I am really sorry and hope that any injuries sustained are well on the way to healing and do not inhibit you enjoying your summer. I can assure you that I am looking into the possible causes of the 'spills' to see if the causes can be eliminated in the future. If any participants wish to give me their views, my email address is in the front of all this Club's Newsletters. There was a good turnout for the Club's last Club Night (the Nog ‘n Natter), and all seemed to be enjoying each other's company – just as it should be. It was pleasing to not only see some of our new members attend, but also some prospective members. To the new members, can I say, please do not hang back and become wall flowers. This is a sociable club but sometimes we converse with people who are familiar to us and forget to look around to see if there are new members on their own. You are not intentionally 'left out' and if you introduce yourself to a group you will be most welcome – they will welcome a 'new' topic of conversation, so don't be shy. A thank-you goes out to the Staff at Lansdowne House for the Christmas lunch they supplied and to Val Ball for making the arrangements. The food gifts collected from the club members participating, were both plentiful and well appreciated. Thank you one and all. May I reiterate that Sheila and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember our Coastal Run in January. It is a little different and should be most enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing you all in 2017, so drive safely till then. In friendship, John C
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From your Club Captain Another calendar year has gone and we concluded the year with another excellent celebration lunch at Lansdowne House. The occasion was very well attended and our thanks go to our Social Convenor, Val Ball for arranging the event. Some of our members participated in the various Xmas Parades in our regional towns and we had a good turnout at the annual Mauriceville Fair. Fortunately a change in the weather held off until after lunch. Our first event for 2017 is our annual Coastal Run on Sunday January 8th. This run travels to Akitio beach and it has been some years since we visited this location. On February 12th Kevin and Val promise us a very interesting outing on the Remembrance Rally. A record 52 motor cyclists turned out for the Gold Medal Motorcycle Rally. So we must be doing something right. Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to those who experienced problems. Barbara and I wish you all a safe Christmas and a successful New Year. Gary Lang
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Wairarapa Branch—new website Our website now resides on a new domain. The new address is: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc BANGERS AND BEER WHEN: 27th January 2017 WHERE: Downstairs at the clubrooms WHAT TIME: From 5.30 until dark WHAT TO BRING: Something to drink Something to eat (put on the bbq) Club vehicle if possible Ideas for subsequent gatherings WHAT TO THINK ABOUT: Getting home if drinking alcohol WHAT ELSE: Read the accompanying article in this magazine ANY QUESTIONS: Ring David Hunter - 3799224 8
Do you want to go on the Coastal Run but feel it is too far to drive and you would like to be driven? Just call any of the Committee and we’ll organise a ride for you. Bangers and Beer Ask any professional and they’ll tell you that the cornerstone of a man’s wellbeing is a regular dose of standing around a bbq in a group of men, watching food cooking while partaking of liquid refreshment and discussing various ‘manly’ subjects. So, in the interest of promoting good health amongst our members a bbq evening has been arranged at the clubrooms for the 27th January 2017. The intention is for everyone to bring their club vehicle along (if possible) to provide interesting subject matter for discussion. The Parts Department will be open for browsing and negotiating purchases. We are hoping that support for this gathering will lead to regular gettogethers and this will be discussed with the attendees. There have already been suggestions for subsequent meetings (e.g. workshop sessions), and we are keen to have ideas from members. Everyone is welcome to bring along friends and acquaintances who they think will enjoy an evening looking at and talking about cars etc. We may even get some new members. Of course, any of our women members who care to come along will be very welcome too. For details see the separate notice on the opposite page. David Hunter
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Letter to the Editor It is with much concern that I write of the continuing decline of the Gold Medal Trial. I ask the committee to acquaint themselves more with the trial, its history and format used by the original organisers to set up an event that was much applauded by many members of the VCC of NZ from the then president (Norm Dewhurst), down. Our trial was based on the 1912 event staged by ACV of Great Britain in Taunton, England, based on bike reliability and timed over set distances. Our event seems to have declined to just another run in our yearly calendar. It is worth much more than that! To have some three – four entrants crash out and a couple of others turning away from the run early and returning home is totally unacceptable! Our first care is to keep entrants safe! F. B. Gillum
Morris Eight Tourer Club is Visiting Any Wairarapa VCC Members (especially Morris Minor owners) are invited to join this group on a run while they are visiting our area. Details of their Rally program is available from your Secretary . They are based at the Highwayman Motel in Masterton from 27th December to 3rd January and can be contacted by phoning Lindsay Crossen on 0274 328 464 or emailing m8tcnz@gmail.com.
Branch Magazines on the web You can now access magazines from other branches on the VCC Website: http://vcc.org.nz/ and click on “News from our Branches”.
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Immediate Past Chairperson Hello branch club members. I Hope you are all well and have either enjoyed a lovely Christmas, with family & friends or are about to. I wish you all the very best in health and safe motoring in the 2017 year. To any members who have been unwell over the last year I wish you a speedy and full recovery in the near future. Those of you who have suffered a loss - my sincere thoughts go to you especially at this time of the year. Congratulations to those who have had a celebration. I have been talking to a few of you over the last few weeks/months and was sorry to learn that some of you are not as happy as you should be with the branch. I also learnt that some of you didn’t realise that you can come to a committee meeting and tell us what you are thinking. Every club member is more than welcome to come to a meeting and speak to us. In this way we can hopefully resolve the problem. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this then you can ring or email a committee member. We work hard to try to make the branch a pleasure for you all. If you would like to see a rally start from your town or area please let us know. Perhaps there is an ideal spot that the organizer can take into consideration, or maybe you would like to help to run a rally in your area. A big thank you to our editor, Myrna, for her great newsletter every month keeping us informed of club events. Well that’s me for now. Wishing you all the very best. Take care and safe motoring.
Frances Elwin.
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Gold Medal Trial 26th November. This year marked the 34th Anniversary of the Gold Medal Trial which was introduced in 1982 by the late great Glen Bull and Barry Gillum. Styled upon the Veteran English Motorcycle Reliability trials it was to be a challenge of man and machine against the clock. Numerous formats have been used and this year saw the Wairarapa branch stage a one day event attracting in excess of fifty entries for the second consecutive year. Organizers Willie James and David Henwood mapped a 56 mile competitive morning route from Clareville to Eketahuna. After lunch a choice of long or short run back to the finish in Masterton was done at one’s own pace. Unfortunately our prevailing nor-wester provided an extra challenge on what proved to be one of the more demanding gravel sections of the day, along the Bideford to Alfredton Road. Several riders fell, none seriously and I am happy to report Ash Sheridan’s suspected broken collarbone proved to be badly bruised and she has made a speedy recovery. I feel proud to be involved with such a successful local event that attracts men, women and children from ages 8 to 80 something. This year the machinery dated from 1923 to 2015, produced by eighteen different manufacturers from seven countries. Personally the attraction to this event involves the colourful local roads and the opportunity to compete on my vintage machine on equal terms with modern machinery against the clock maintaining a constant average speed over all terrain. It sounds easy and some found it easier the others. The winners were: VeteranNo entries VintageAlan McLeod, 1923 Indian Post VintageJohn Viner, 1939 Ariel Post WarBarry and Linda Wells, 1951 BSA ClassicPeter Wright, BSA Post 80Glyn Clements, 1985 Honda Best Lady riderHeather Sheridan Best Combination- Barry and Linda Wells 12
As the name implies the GMT involves medals. Every minute fast or slow incurs a one point penalty. One to five minutes for Gold, six to ten for Silver, and eleven to fifteen for Bronze. This year’s Gold medals went to Barry and Linda Wells, Silver to Heather Sheridan and Bronze to Glyn Clements and John Neil. The overall winners and recipient of the "Glen Bull Memorial Best Overall Performance" medal went to Barry and Linda Wells. I would like to mention a few points I feel worthy of note: The Sheridan family travelling the “long way round Kaikoura” from Canterbury Branch with three bikes. Following behind Howard and Marion on the vintage Harley Sidecar at a very respectable pace on the gravel, with extraordinary skill dodging riders stopped in the middle of the road. All four lady riders riding on the day in challenging conditions. Lastly the two newcomers on Puch Scooters battling through the wind, one continuing on even after a watery visit to the road side. Many thanks to all who attended and the marshalls who helped make it happen. We look forward to seeing you all next year. Pete Bull
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Above: The kerosene cowboys ... Andy Dittmer, left, and Ian Ingram rode two of Ian's Puch’s motor scooters. A 1963 model for Andy and a '64 for Ian. Left: John Neill, from Lower Hutt, with his 1950 BSA B31.
Right: Maureen Bull giving some helpful advice to Peter Groves (?). 14
VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND (INC) ~ WAIRARAPA BRANCH ~
REX PORTER MEMORIAL RALLY
SATURDAY, 11TH MARCH, 2017 ~ REX PORTER ~ The late Rex Porter, foundation member and Past President of the Wairarapa Branch, joined the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) in 1955 as a member of the Wanganui Branch, being the nearest to Wairarapa in those days. It is to this pioneer motorist, Veteran enthusiast and noted Club member, we dedicate this rally. 15
REX PORTER MEMORIAL RALLY SATURDAY, 11th MARCH, 2017 ENTRANT/DRIVER: _______________________________________________ ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ NAVIGATOR:_____________________________________________________ CONTACT PH/E-MAIL:_____________________________________________ MAKE & YEAR OF VEHICLE:________________________________________ REG. NO.:_________________________
VIC No.:________________
VCC M/SHIP No.:___________________
TICK IF TOURING ONLY
ROUTE:
Long
□
Short
□
□
CLASS:________________ (see back page for categories)
PREFERRED SPEED: (Between 15 & 40mph):______________________mph ENTRY FEE:
$
25.00
PLAQUE (optional) $8.00
$___________
LUNCH:
BYO
DINNER:
# meals required @ $25.00 each_____
$___________
TOTAL
$___________
IF ENTRY IS PAID BEFORE 20th FEBRUARY, DEDUCT $12.50 ENTRIES CLOSE 24th FEBRUARY, 2017 (No Late Entries Accepted) Payment details on back page. RALLY ORGANISER: Willie James 06 372 4890
RALLY TREASURER: Tina Goodin 0204 1099552 16
REX PORTER MEMORIAL RALLY SATURDAY, 11th MARCH, 2017 ENTRANT/DRIVER: ________________________________________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ NAVIGATOR:______________________________________________________ CONTACT PH/E-MAIL:______________________________________________ MAKE & YEAR OF VEHICLE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.:________________________
VIC No.:__________________
VCC M/SHIP No.:___________________
TICK IF TOURING ONLY
ROUTE:
Long
□
Short
□
□
CLASS:________________ (see back page for categories)
PREFERRED SPEED: (Between 15 & 40mph):______________________mph ENTRY FEE:
$
25.00
PLAQUE (optional) $8.00
$___________
LUNCH:
BYO
DINNER:
# meals required @ $25.00 each_____
$___________
TOTAL
$___________
IF ENTRY IS PAID BEFORE 20th FEBRUARY, DEDUCT $12.50 ENTRIES CLOSE 24th FEBRUARY, 2017 (No Late Entries Accepted) Payment details on back page. RALLY ORGANISER: Willie James 06 372 4890
RALLY TREASURER: Tina Goodin 0204 1099552 17
REX PORTER MEMORIAL RALLY SATURDAY, 11TH MARCH, 2017 THE RALLY: The Rally Assembly point is at the Vintage Car Club Rooms at Clareville A&P complex. Rally Briefing at 9.30am. First Vehicle away at 10.00am. This will be an all day competitive rally and will include most aspects of rallying. There will be two routes. The Short route will be approximately 80-90 miles for the day and the Long route approximately 130 miles. Competitors are able to choose the Short or Long route. The Long route contains a short gravel stretch but will present the Wairarapa countryside at its best. If there are insufficient entries in any one class, they may be combined. Entrants must bring their own lunch and thermos. Toilets are available at the lunch stop. The evening Dinner and presentation is at the Clubrooms at Clareville. 6.00pm Drinks—BYO 7.00pm Dinner and prize-giving to follow. REGULATIONS: 1. The event is open to financial members of the VCC of NZ (Inc). 2. Traffic regulations must be strictly observed. 3. Each vehicle must be up to the Club’s accepted standards regarding cleanliness and general mechanical condition. 4. At least one member of the crew must be a financial member of the VCC of NZ (Inc). Membership card must be available. 5. Failure to stop at a check point will incur penalty points. CLASSES: 1. Veteran Car 4. Vintage M/Bike 7.Commercial 9. Post War M/Bike
2. Veteran M/Bike 5. Post Vintage Car 8. Post War Car 10. Post 60 Car
3. Vintage Car 6. Post Vintage M/Bike 11. Post 60 M/Bike
ENTRIES CLOSE 24th FEBRUARY, 2017 (Late Entries Will Not be Accepted) PLEASE FORWARD ENTRY FORM AND FEES TO: The Rally Treasurer, P O Box 7, Masterton, 5840 and Cheques made payable to Wairarapa Branch or Bank Direct to 03-0687-0323649-01 with your name & RP Rally as reference. Completed Entry Forms may be emailed to :- tina.goodin@hotmail.com 18
Mauriceville Fair—Sunday 4th December A good turn out of club members and vehicles attended the Fair. It was good to see some of our newer members. We also met some interesting people and potential members.
Above: The Wells’ Rover, the Lane’s Mercedes and the Laird’s Nash. Below: A new member’s Buick and the Groves’ Austin.
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Christmas Lunch at Lansdowne House Left: Members helping themselves to the very generous buffet meal. Below: Anne Slater, Asrina Hutchinson and Annette Hicklng at one of the festively decorated tables.
Thank you to all the members who came to the lunch and made a donation to the Foodbank. Left: Val Ball presenting our generous donations to the Masterton Food Bank.
What did you guess?
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Don’t forget our advertisers Their advertisements help to pay for the production of this publication. When you need a product or service consider using one of the companies advertising in the Zenith. They help us—why not reciprocate by giving them your custom.
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PROPERTY LAW SERVICE LTD Christian Jorgensen - Honorary Solicitor for the Wairarapa Branch of The Vintage Car Club of NZ We can’t fix a Model A but we can help you with: • Buying & selling property • Refinancing • Family Trusts • Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Estates, Wills • Commercial Matters • Subdivisions • Relationship Property Agreements
Property Law Building, Cnr Phone: (06) 370 5102 or Chapel & Perry St, Masterton. (0800) PPTY LAW (0800 778 952) www.propertylaw.co.nz 24
AFFORDABLE QUALITY Venetians, Verticals, Hollands Sun Screens, Timber & Repairs
FREE QUOTES
Ray Whitcombe, Masterton
06 377 4456
Fax 06 377 4247
E-Mail rayandloriswhitcombe@gmail.com
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Club Library Members are most welcome to borrow books/articles from the Club Library. Please record your name and the book’s title(s) in the Lending Book so that they can be tracked is necessary. If you have any old books/manuals and wish to get rid of them, Pat Dutton, our Librarian, would be love to take them off your hands. Pat can be contacted on (06) 379 7918.
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VEHICLE INFORMATION VEHICLE ID Members who wish to apply for Vehicle Identification Certification (VIC), are asked to contact one of our Branch Vehicle ID Officers. Their names and contact details are provided in each Zenith magazine (generally on page 3). If you wish to participate in any National VCC event, you need to have a Vehicle Identification Certificate. Please don’t leave it to the last minute as it takes some time for the processing of paperwork. VIC Applications: Must be accompanied by the appropriate form which can be downloaded from the VCC NZ website or contact your club secretary. The form should be sent to your local branch secretary for processing. SELLING YOUR VEHICLE? If your vehicle has VIC Certification and you sell your vintage vehicle, please notify NZVCC, P O Box 2546 Christchurch. Ph: 03 366 4461 Fax: (03) 366 0273 or E-mail: admin@vcc.org.nz. INSURING YOUR VEHICLE/ POSSESSIONS? When you insure through VERO, you are helping our Club financially. Just let them know that you are a member of the Wairarapa VCC and quote this number: 043302 COOK STRAIT FERRY BOOKINGS Both The InterIslander and BlueBridge Ferries offer a variety of discounted fares to VCC Members. Contact the companies directly using the Vintage Car Club group booking codes. The staff are generally very helpful. INTERISLANDER: Ph: 0800 878 898 Quote Group Booking Reference Number WH5465 BLUEBRIDGE FERRY: 0800 844 844 Quote Discount Code: ANTIQUECAR 27
Members are welcome to advertise their goods for sale, swap or buy. The advertisement does not have to relate to cars/parts, anything goes. Contact Myrna Lane, phone: 06 377 3064 or wandmlane@gmail.com. Please note advertisements will only be published for three consecutive months unless I am notified otherwise.
Trailer—Ideal for using around the garden. No WOF or registration. $40 ono. Please contact Frank (06) 379 7167.
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New Year Specials from your Parts Department !!!!! Still some great specials:
Tyres: 650 x 16 (new) 6 available Mercedes Benz Front Grill circa 1960’s. New Kingpin and Bushes set for a 1932 Essex 6 cyl. or Hudson 1933-36 6 & 8 cyl. Wooden spoked wheels suitable for an Essex—19 inch with 10 spokes. Rear axles for an Essex.
If you have any spare parts that may be useful to somebody else we would love to have them. Remember the Spares are open every Tuesday morning following our monthly Club Night or contact Frank, Tom or Hugh for a private viewing - (06) 379 7167 (Frank), (06) 379 7573 (Tom) or (06) 306 9847 (Hugh). 28
wanted Wanted— 550 x 20 good used tyres (WOF standard) . 1942 Ford Jeep chassis. Please contact Frank (06) 379 7167.
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Valve Spring Compressor Having just had borrowed Frank Lipinski's valve spring compressor to fix a burnt exhaust valve on 49LAND, I've decided I should really have one myself. I know they can be bought new, but I'd prefer a period one. If anyone has a 1940s/50s valve spring compressor for sale (large enough for side valve engines) please contact Paul Furkert (06 3795355 paul.furkert@xtra.co.nz) (3)
WHAT’S ON AROUND THE COUNTRY COMING EVENTS 2017 JANUARY 2017 20-22 Burma Rally in Wanganui. 21-22 National Veteran Rally in Wanganui. FEBUARY 2017 4-5 Wellington Branch—Club Captain’s Safari. 5 EBOP Branch East Coast Rally. 11-12 Three Rivers Rally Gisborne Branch. 17-24 25th VCC National Motorcycle Rally and Hub Tour based in Feilding. Contact Horowhenua Branch. 18 Nelson Branch Swapmeet. Contact Ruth (03 5486338). 18-19 Art Deco Rally Napier. Hawkes Bay Branch. 19 Horowhenua Branch—Shannon Spectacular Car Show. MARCH 2017 4 Manuatu Branch—Ruahine Ramble. 11 Taupo Branch—Annual Lake Taupo Rally. 18 Horowhenua Branch—Swap Meet. APRIL 2017 14-17 National Easter Rally hosted by Auckland Branch. 10-12 Taupo Golden Anniversary Rally. . For more information regarding these events please contact the branch involved or contact your club Secretary.
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Sender: The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Wairarapa Branch (Incorporated) P.O. Box 7 MASTERTON 5840
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